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Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest.
Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest.
Highlights
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery around Akaroa Harbour
- Watch dolphins, penguins, fur seals and birds in their natural habitat
- View the stunning volcanic formation of Cathedral Cove
- Relaxing cruise aboard our comfortable catamaran
Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin – the endangered Hector’s dolphin. Cruise past Akaroa’s dramatic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seal colonies, and marine birdlife, all while gaining insight into the area’s rich natural and cultural history.
Black Cat Cruises are leaders in eco-tourism. During your cruise with us, you’ll discover the fascinating behaviors of Akaroa’s wildlife, learn about conservation efforts aimed at repopulating Hector’s dolphins, and explore how we can all contribute to their thriving future for generations to come.
Dolphins are sighted on 95% of our trips, if you do not see dolphins, we will give you a voucher to go again another day. Voted one of the top 101 things to do in New Zealand by local New Zealanders!
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$125.00
- Child$60.00
- Infant Free of Charge
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support
- emergencyMany customers praised the friendly and knowledgeable crew, highlighting their engaging commentary and exceptional service (45 people said this).
- emergencyThe opportunity to see Hector's dolphins and other wildlife like seals and penguins was frequently mentioned as a highlight of the cruise (38 people said this).
- emergencyThe scenic beauty of Akaroa Harbour and the overall experience were described as breathtaking and memorable (32 people said this).
- emergencyCustomers appreciated the comfortable boat and the availability of blankets for warmth during the cruise (15 people said this).
- emergencyMany reviewers noted that the cruise was well-organized and suitable for all ages, making it a great family activity (20 people said this).
- emergencyThe extra effort by the crew to retrieve lost items and accommodate guests was frequently highlighted as a testament to their excellent service (10 people said this).
- star_shineBring a camera to capture the stunning views and wildlife.
Consider taking motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness.
Showing all 1349 authenticated Bookme reviews
dorzk from New Zealand wrote on 18 April 2026
Absolutely fabulous
Staff were super friendly and very aproachable. View were spectacular and the skipper was very knowledgeable. The dolphins, fur seals and little blue penguins very super amazing to see well worth the trip
moyras from New Zealand wrote on 02 April 2026
Awesome Cat Cruise
What a wonderful experience. We were fortunate to have a lovely calm Harbour on departure with sunny skies. Skipper Thomas was great offering excellent tour narrative with a touch of good old Kiwi humor. Grace told us all about the Hector pods that call t H is home and explained about the plankton rich environment that gives the water its unique aliuvial blue colour. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip even though the dolphins didnt show.. we saw a number of sun bathing seals and lots of Cormorants diving for fish. We will be back to take advantage of the complimentary ticket to try to see the dolphins again. Thanks to the lovely staff... Thomas, Grace and Helen for a special experience 😄
Sal from New Zealand wrote on 07 May 2026
Akaroa
Nice day out on the harbour. Comfortable ride out to heads and back.
Lisa Haidle from Canada wrote on 30 March 2026
Nice afternoon
Good way to spend an afternoon. Helpful and courteous staff. Saw dolphins and seals.
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Gail Thompson from New Zealand wrote on 02 June 2026
A Wonderful Experience
This was a wonderful experience. The team were so lovely and knowledgeable. It was also humbling to be told that because we hadn't seen the dolphins properly that they would give us a voucher to come again. Totally unexpected and such a genuine offer.